Crimson Moon Read Online Free PDF Page B

and combat boots.
    He surveyed me in turn, starting at my head and working his way down.
    "I'm going inside to get a few things,” he drawled in a thick southern twang, curious eyes resting on my face when they finished their trek.
    "I'll take her around back to clean out that arm, bring me what I'll need.” Caleb glanced at me, curving his lips in a comforting smile. “Do you want anything?"
    "A coke would be great,” I answered softly, clearing my throat.
    Derek pursed his lips and nodded, spinning on heel and walking toward the front of the station, whistling as he went.
    "It's over here."
    Caleb reached behind my shoulder to guide the way, his large palm spanning the entire width of my back. I could feel each individual nerve ending where his hand brushed, bringing the sensitive skin to life. I tried to convince myself I didn't feel anything.
    Get a grip — Stockholm syndrome? No, thanks.
    The door to the bathroom didn't look entreating. The green metal surface was rusted, stenciled with the word ‘restroom’ using thick tar like black paint. Visions of bathroom nastiness raced through my mind—images of scattered garbage and dirty lids.
    Caleb took the initiative, grasping the handle and pushing the door open. I stepped inside and exhaled a sigh of relief. Not only was it clean, but the scent of fresh pine cleaner lingered in the space. Caleb motioned to the sink and I stepped over, standing in front of the surprisingly clean white porcelain.
    "Let me see.” Caleb slid his hand under my arm.
    In the bright light, I could clearly see dried brown blood around the edges forming a seal. The material had desiccated, making it hard, stiff, and difficult to remove.
    He untied the knot, slowly pulling the cloth free and stopping. The wound adhered to the makeshift bandage as the blood dried, attaching the two together.
    "Shit,” Caleb mumbled.
    He reached into his back pocket and produced a knife. My eyes widened as he maneuvered the blade, stainless steel pieces fluttering like a butterfly in his lithe fingers, altering from a harmless length of metal into a weapon.
    "What are you planning to do with that?” I croaked.
    "Relax,” he chuckled, lifting my arm.
    He pushed the blade between the side of my arm and the fabric, careful not to pierce the skin as the cool metal slid across, cautiously moving back and forth. The blade cut into the cloth, catching in places but eventually slicing it in two.
    He closed the knife, clacking the pieces together before slipping it into his pocket.
    All that remained was the strip attached to my torn skin.
    "There is no way around it, this is going to hurt,” he warned, peering up and meeting my eyes. The glow from the florescent light framed his irises, creating a white glowing circle in the center of pools of vivid blue.
    A knock sounded at the door and I glanced away, feeling my cheeks flush.
    "Medical supplies and a coke for the lady,” Derek announced, pushing open the door and stepping inside. He tossed several packaged bandages into the sink, as well as two large bottles of water. He chose to be conservative with the carbonated beverage that would explode given the same treatment, placing the icy plastic bottle of Coca-Cola on the sink.
    "I'm going to start the Chevy and give Sam a call,” Derek informed Caleb, leaning over to take a closer look. “Oh man, that's going to hurt.” He winced playfully and winked at me before walking to the door and vanishing into the blinding sunshine.
    "Are you ready?” Caleb asked, opening the bottle of water and placing my bandaged arm over the sink.
    I took a deep breath and nodded, watching as he poured the clear liquid over the wound. The water dissolved the seal formed by the bonded cloth and skin, rending it soft and pliable in a matter of minutes. It was better than I'd expected, there was no pain or discomfort.
    This isn't so bad.
    He poured until the first bottle was emptied and then tossed it into the metal trashcan.
    "Close